Roaming in Mexico: is it free or are there roaming charges in this country?
Roaming in Mexico allows you to make phone calls or use your mobile data while you are in the country. However, in most phone companies you will be charged on average £2 per call, £5 per MB or 30p per text message where or need to buy special add-ons or roaming bundles. To avoid this extra charges, an Holafly eSIM card is the best option for your Mexico trip.
Roaming in Mexico: what is it for?
Roaming in Mexico allows you to use your data and mobile connection in this country, so you can keep making phone calls, sending texts or using your mobile data right from your phone without the need to switch your UK SIM card for a Mexican one, thanks to your carrier's roaming partners in this Central American country.
What is more, you will not even have to change your phone's settings to roam in Mexico, your phone will automatically connect to the Mexican mobile network, just make sure that data roaming is turned on on your smartphone and mobile roaming is available in your mobile network, you might need to contact your provider.
So why is it helpful to roam in Mexico? Because it allows you to stay connected during your trips, so in case anything happens, you have an emergency or you need to call your hotel, you can make a quick phone call or send a text message.
Is data roaming free in Mexico?: what phone companies allow it
Data roaming is not free in Mexico, as no phone companies from the UK allow its customers to roam free of charge in this country. This means that you would need to pay extra for your data and voice usage in Mexico.
However, some companies offer special add-ons or roaming bundles that let you roam at a lower price, here are some examples:
| Roaming add-ons for Mexico | ||
|---|---|---|
| EE Roam Abroad Pass |
|
£10 per month |
| O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On |
|
£6 per day |
| Three Go Roam |
|
£5 per day |
On the other hand, you can get this roaming bundles or add-ons for free with some mobile deals, usually the most expensive ones. So, for instance, if you have an unlimited data Xtra Plan from Vodafone or selected O2 refresh deals. In these particular cases, you can roam for free in Mexico.
How much are roaming charges in Mexico
Roaming charges in Mexico vary between carriers, keep in mind that each company offers a different rate for their services abroad, so in order to know how much you will be charged for your roaming in Mexico, the best option is to contact your mobile network provider.
Here are some examples of how much text, data and calls cost in Mexico on some UK providers, but take into account that the charges can differ depending on your mobile deal (pay monthly plans, pay as you go…):
| Roaming charges in Mexico | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provider | Making a call | Receiving a call | Sending a text message | Data usage |
| Virgin Media | £2.60 per minute | £1.50 per minute | £0.50 per message | £5 per MB |
| Three | £2 per minute | £1.25 per minute | £0.35 per message | £6 per MB |
| EE | £2.05 per minute | £2.05 per minute | £0.67 per message | £6.85 for 500MB a day |
When roaming in Mexico it could be hard to keep track of your expenses, that is why some carriers offer a data cap for their roaming plans. This way, your company will text you when you've reach a certain level of data usage.
If you are planning to visit any other country, remember that companies charge different roaming fees depending on the country you visit:
Alternatives to do to avoid roaming fees in Mexico
In order to avoid roaming fees in Mexico, buying a local SIM is one of the best options. However, sometimes finding the right SIM for you or the best data plan in Mexico can be quite difficult. First of all, you need to waste time from your precious holiday searching for the right shop and, secondly, you need to overcome an important language barrier.
That is why an Holafly eSIM card seems like the perfect solution. You can buy your Mexican eSIM right from the comfort of your own home or right before your departure, as it will be immediately delivered to your email inbox, moreover you will have a price fixed data plan, so you will avoid surprises on your phone bill. Also it is way cheaper than paying roaming fees with your UK contract:
| Holafly Mexico data plans | ||
|---|---|---|
| Plan | Price | Data |
| 5 days | £19 | Unlimited Data |
| 7 days | £24 | Unlimited Data |
| 10 days | £29 | Unlimited Data |
| 15 days | £44 | Unlimited Data |
| 20 days | £49 | Unlimited Data |
| 30 days | £59 | Unlimited Data |
| 60 days | £77 | Unlimited Data |
| 90 days | £87 | Unlimited Data |
Remember that if you are travelling to several countries you can buy a Holalfly card for each destination so you don't run out of data. Some of the destinations may include:
Experience worry-free holidays in Mexico with Holafly
If you want to compare Holalfy with other companies to know all the options available, here are some of the options:
Mexico SIM card
Although , one of the disadvantages of the eSIM is that not all devices are compatible with this technology. That is why we recommend that before signing up you check if you can use it, if not, you can sign up for a SIM card.
Purchasing a SIM card for use in Mexico is very simple, you can buy it once you land in the country or before you travel. If you decide to buy it in advance, you can use the different online sites that exist, but be aware of the shipping time so that it arrives before you fly.
If you decide to buy the SIM card once in Mexico, you can use one of the companies' points of sale or at the airports. The latter are usually more expensive than the former.
Wifi in Mexico: portable and public
Another option available is wifi. This option is one of the first that comes to mind when you think of having internet while traveling, but surely one option is much better known than the other.
You can use public wifi to connect your devices while travelling in Mexico. These networks are available at various locations around the city for you to use. One disadvantage is security.
If you connect to these networks you should be careful as they are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, so we recommend that you do not enter compromised data such as credit card numbers or other private data.
Another option available and probably the least known is portable wifi. This wifi works thanks to a small router that you can carry in your pocket as you move around Mexico. One of the advantages is that you can connect several devices at the same time in a secure way, as it is protected with a personal password.
Of course, the portable wifi is purchased on a rental basis, if it is lost or stolen the company will charge you a penalty. Therefore, if you want to avoid worries, we recommend that you purchase a Holafly SIM card for Mexico and enjoy the internet and your trip without any hassle.
Sign up for Holalfy eSIM for Spain
If you are fortunate enough to be able to travel to other places, you will need to be aware of the different forms of Internet connection available, here are some options that may be of interest to you:
Frequently asked questions about roaming in Mexico
Will I get charged for roaming in Mexico from the UK?
It depends, if you do not make phone calls, send text messages or use your mobile data you will not be charged for roaming in Mexico. This means that you can connect your phone to the Mexican network for free as long as you do not use your mobile data, send texts or make or receive phone calls during your stay.
Do I need roaming in Mexico?
You do need roaming in Mexico if you intend to use your phone at some point. However, if you do not want to connect your phone to the Mexican mobile network, you do not need it, but keep in mind that you will not be able to make or receive any phone calls or use data or text messages at all.
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